Labuskes, currently VP of RTKL, a division of architectural/engineering firm ARCADIS, is poised to continue Lemke’s goal of educating integrators about networked AV.

“Over the past 7 to 10 years I have drafted many speeches and drafted dozens of articles on the growth of networked AV and the role of AV in the built environment,” said Lemke, prior to introducing Labuskes at “my last press conference.”

“It has been a major shift for many in the industry. I’m glad that Dave will be able to use his considerable expertise in this area to make sure that nobody who wants to learn this element of the business gets left behind.”

Labuskes is a “thought leader on the intersection of technology and the built environment,” said Greg Jeffreys, president of InfoComm International. “He’s an executive that can shape the future of network AV, smart building technology and more.”

Lemke, during his tenure which began in 2000, made it clear that educating integrators about the industry becoming net-centric was close to his heart. With Labuskes as his successor, Lemke seems to recognize that integrators are now educated on convergence to the point where the conversation can spring from a leader with an IT background.

“I was very direct with the [search] committee and the board that I did not expect them to choose a clone to succeed me, and I’m pleased to say that they have found somebody like Dave, who has walked a different path to get here,” Lemke said.

Tom has been covering electronics integration since 2003. Prior to being named editor-in-chief of CI, he was senior writer and managing editor of CE Pro. Before that, he wrote for the sports department of the Boston Herald. Migrating to magazines, he was a staff editor for a golf publication and an outdoor sports publication. Follow him on Twitter @leblanctom.